Andy Sparrow said:
I am not against the 'Try Caving' initiative but I do feel it has missed the point. Thousands of people already try caving every year - what we really need is a 'Continue Caving' initiative. In other words we should ensure that people of any age who want to take up caving are facilitated and encouraged to do so, both through BCA and clubs.
I couldn't agree more. There are lots of keen adventure sportsmen (and women) out there who would readily take up caving if only there were less barriers and a bit more inspirational publicity.
Here are two real examples of the type of person the sport should be attracting:
-A work colleague of mine who is keen climber, boulderer and arctic trekker started going underground last year with a few mates. They are now doing pull-through trips such as Simpson's and are starting to venture into Ease Gill
- Some friends of mine who are into white-water kayaking, sea kayaking and climbing decided to start exploring the local Yorkshire caves on Tuesday evenings after work, instead of going to the climbing wall. In less than a year they have clocked up over 50 trips are are now teaching themselves SRT
None of these people are likely to join a caving club - they don't need to.
What they need are:
- Modern, inspirational guidebooks like the ones that are available for climbing, bouldering, mountain biking and the rest
- Information, information, information - not dumbed down, not patronising, just good hard information on techniques, equipment, venues, routes, grades, dangers and challenges - on the web, in books and in magazines.
Come to think of, that's the same needs that we existing cavers have.